Question: One frequently used method for preparing methyl esters is by reaction of carboxylic acids with diazomethane, CH2N2. The reaction occurs in two steps: (1) Protonation

One frequently used method for preparing methyl esters is by reaction of carboxylic acids with diazomethane, CH2N2. The reaction occurs in two steps: (1) Protonation of diazomethane by the carboxylic acid to yield methyldiazonium ion, CH3N2+, plus a carboxylate ion; and (2) reaction of the carboxylate ion with CH3N2+.

(a) Draw two resonance structures of diazomethane, and account for step 1.

(b) What kind of reaction occurs in step2?

OCH3 + N2 + CH2N2 Methyl benzoate (100%) Benzoic acid Diazomethane

OCH3 + N2 + CH2N2 Methyl benzoate (100%) Benzoic acid Diazomethane

Step by Step Solution

3.41 Rating (170 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

a HCNEN HCNN Resonance forms show that the carbon of diazo... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Document Format (1 attachment)

Word file Icon

22-C-O-CA (155).docx

120 KBs Word File

Students Have Also Explored These Related Organic Chemistry Questions!